No fear for Denise O'Sullivan as Ireland plant play-off flag

One swing of Denise O'Sullivan's boot and Ireland are now potentially a single game away from dreamland.

On Tuesday night, the midfielder's goal meant Vera Pauw's side were able to edge past a stubborn Slovakia outfit and thereby automatically earn a bye to the second round of UEFA's convoluted 2023 World Cup play-off process.

It capped a fine window which had started with a victory over Finland in a high-pressure Tallaght Stadium encounter which in itself had sealed a spot in the play-offs but the follow-up against the Slovakians removes one hurdle and concentrates minds solely to 11 October against yet-to-be-determined opponents who emerge from the first round.

There will be no resting on laurels for Ireland over the next month and certainly for Denise O'Sullivan who mere hours after scoring one of the most important goals in Irish history, was part of the launch of the European Week of Sport.

"A bit tired but obviously the last few days have been an emotional rollercoaster - the highs of the Finland and then trying to get back down to earth again to prepare for the Slovakia game," the North Carolina Courage player told this week's RTÉ Soccer Podcast as she reflected on the individual and collective landmark.

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"But all I can say is that we're absolutely delighted as a squad and I'm just filled with pride and emotion right now."

On Friday, Ireland will have a better idea of what awaits them next month when the play-off draw is made.

Six teams - including Euro 2022 participants Austria,